MEET THE PHOTOGRAPHER BEHIND THE BOXES OF LOVE NOTECARDS

MEET SUSAN...
resident photographer, lover of humans and Tree of Lives supporter.

This year, our Boxes of Love included notecards of the foliage around Nazareth Hospital. Susan took these photos as a testament to the beauty that surrounds hard places and we wanted to share those with you this Christmas season. Below Susan shares a bit about her experience with Tree of Lives.

"I was introduced to Tree of Lives in 2012 and went to Kenya for my second trip with my grand daughter and the Tree of Lives team. I was a little afraid, but stepped out in faith to travel with this new group. I will never forget the first night sitting in the living room with a group of strangers waiting to hear which ministry I would be experiencing the next day.

I had looked at the list and there was only one assignment that felt way beyond my comfort level. When Pastor Jim announced where I would be the next day, I put on my brave face and accepted my assignment to show up in surgery. I am thankful I never passed out as I watched Dr. James skillfully operate on the patients and I remain very grateful for that day in surgery as I met another James, a teenager with a broken leg, who became a deep blessing in my life (pictured with Susan and another pilgrim, Zach Wood, many years later). Remembering experiences like this are what help me trust the Spirit even if the path feels challenging.

I have returned to Kenya with Tree of Lives an additional six times, each time learning and growing in what it means to follow Jesus and share the Love of Christ with others. These journeys have transformed my life. On April 1, 2021, after 20 years, I completed my work as an assistive technology specialist. I am currently seeking ways to use my passion for photography to raise money for Tree of Lives. Each time I take someone’s senior picture or family portrait they make a donation to support the ministries in Kenya. I also have been blessed to capture the beauty of God’s creation with my camera where ever I go including in Kenya. My lens helps me see the love and beauty of God’s creation in new ways. One of my favorite photos from Kenya was taken during construction at the Joy Village Children’s home. It exemplifies for me how the “Love of Christ” can speak to us through the ordinary if we can but open our hearts to receive it."